Following a recent commitment to source 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2020, Target has introduced a new climate policy and Science-Based Target Initiative-aligned goals aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
By 2025, the company intends to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions below 2015 levels. To do this, Target will begin ramping up its use of renewable solar and wind power to offset energy used at its facilities, increasing the energy efficiency of heating and lighting sources in stores, actively managing its refrigerant inventory and exploring new programs.
Target has also laid out a plan to tackle Scope 3 emissions generated through the manufacturing and distribution of its products, business travel, consumer use of its products and other indirect sources. The retailer says it will implement projects in its own brand manufacturing facilities with the goal of reducing Scope 3 emissions by two million metric tons annually by 2022. Continued participation in the Clean by Design textile industry program and the Vietnam Improvement program, both of which work to improve energy and water efficiency, are one way the company expects to achieve this. Target also plans to develop an additional Scope 3 goal that, coupled with its Scope 1 and 2 goal, will fulfill its commitment to the Science-Based Targets Initiative.
“Target has long been committed to making our business more sustainable, which leads to a stronger, cleaner supply chain and operations and a healthier environment for our team members and guests,” says Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO of Target. “That’s why we’re setting goals to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint and working with our industry partners, policymakers and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
In addition to its Scope 1, 2 and 3 goals, Target announced that it is committing to sourcing 100 percent renewable energy in its domestic operations in coming years.
The company outlined five key areas in which it will focus its efforts to deliver on its new climate policy and sustainability targets. Target has said that in addition to increasing renewable energy and driving energy and water efficiency across the value chain, it will direct investment towards innovations supporting the transition to a low-carbon transportation system, design plans to mitigate the impacts of its raw materials sourcing and support communities directly impacted by climate change in building their resilience.
Collaborations with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will continue to play a key role in driving the development of solutions for climate change, water stewardship, food waste, packaging and sourcing raw materials.
2017 has been a busy year for Target. The retail giant unveiled a new forest products policy and sustainable packaging goals and committed to reducing harmful chemicals in its products.
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Published Oct 18, 2017 12pm EDT / 9am PDT / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST